The Award Award Showcase The Gallery Publications Gears University Expeditions About Us Career Learning & AI Future Curriculum Curiosity & Consciousness Sign In Submit Your Work →

Selling Irons by Willeke Tjassens

In the bustling streets of Morocco, the photographer encountered a man whose quiet dignity amidst hardship left a lasting impression. After striking up a conversation, the photographer learned of the man’s struggle to make ends meet by selling household irons. Captivated by the juxtaposition of his humble wares and his gentle spirit, the photographer captured this poignant moment of human connection. The image is award-worthy for its raw, empathetic storytelling, transforming a simple street encounter into a powerful portrait of resilience and the shared humanity found in the most unexpected places.

Selling Irons by Willeke Tjassens
Copyright Β© Willeke Tjassens
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Willeke Tjassens

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Born on February 25, 1972, Willeke Tjassens is a dedicated street photographer based in Duiven, Holland. Her practice is defined by extensive travels to global destinations such as Morocco, New York, and Egypt, though she frequently finds inspiration in the streets of Amsterdam. Known for her rigorous selection process, she often captures hundreds of images during long walks to curate a final few that prioritize originality and narrative depth. Her work reflects a keen eye for the human condition and a commitment to authentic, spontaneous storytelling.

Profile View Full Profile
9.0/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
130/500
SHARE
SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
7,335 views | 3 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date November 11, 2021
68.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 13.0
Composition 18.0
Style 13.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Morocco

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Street Photography
Willeke Tjassens Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (8.8/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
2.5/5 points
505/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
7,335/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
1.3/5 points
130/500 Submission
Jury Score: 68.0/80
Resonance Score: 8.8/20
Total Award Score: 76.8/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Mei-Ling Chen Pattern, Geometry, Abstract Form & Visual Mathematics Expert Review
The vertical axis of the man’s posture creates a perfect counter-weight to the rhythmic, horizontal stacking of the irons. It’s a precise 1:3 ratio of human form to industrial object, anchoring the frame’s negative space. I’m genuinely moved by how the diagonal of his gaze intersects the grid of his wares; it’s a beautifully solved spatial equation. The geometry doesn't just hold the subjectβ€”it defines his quiet, structural resilience against the chaotic Moroccan street.
Nadia Osei Cultural Representation, Authenticity & the Ethics of the Gaze Expert Review
The irons sit like relics of a domesticity the subject can’t afford. I’m struck by how the frame isolates his poverty, turning his struggle into a curated aesthetic. Does his dignity belong to him, or is it something we’ve projected onto his exhaustion? Why does the composition prioritize the texture of his worn coat over his actual voice? It’s a polished portrait, but I can’t shake the feeling that we’re consuming his hardship as a souvenir.
James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
f/2.8 at 50mm, 1/250s, ISO 400. A standard portrait configuration, yet it’s effective here. The shallow depth of field isolates the subject from the chaotic Moroccan backdrop, forcing focus onto the irons and the man’s hands. It’s a calculated choice that works. I’ve seen too many street shots ruined by f/8 clutter. This isn't just a snapshot; it’s a disciplined execution. Honestly, the sharpness on those rusted irons actually made me wince. Good work.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Margaret Holt

The Weight of Things

In the quiet corners of a house, objects often outlive the hands that once held them. We accumulate thingsβ€”a heavy iron, a worn chair, a stack of booksβ€”and we imbue them with a strange, silent gravity.

Read the reflection →
By Clara Menezes

The Weight of Small Things

We carry our lives in the palms of our hands, often balancing the heavy against the hollow. There is a quiet gravity to the objects we gatherβ€”the tools of a trade, the remnants of a day, the iron that smooths the wrinkles of a shirt but cannot iron out the creases of a life.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

Share your thoughts about this award-winning photograph. Your reviews contribute to the community engagement score.

3 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Keeper of the DarkCastle Hill Lighthouse by Mike Dooley - Night Photography, Lighthouse Photography, Photo of the Day, Photography Awards, Art PhotographyCastle Hill Lighthouse by Mike DooleyBaby Kaniel Playing at the Park by Jose Juniel Rivera-Negron - Photojournalism, Baby Photography, Portrait Photography, Photography Awards, Photo of the DayBaby Kaniel Playing at the Park by Jose Juniel Rivera-Negron